Reviews (page 6 of 7)
otima ref country 3 estrelas
I hated the fingernails song. This kind of country is not for me.
Solid music for some honky tonk dancin! Surprisingly good for how obscure this is. I’ll be your fool is def a standout. I love when people do that little country yodel lol
Despite being an American Southerner, until now Joe Ely is someone I only knew of via his proximity to The Clash. Upon first listen, he feels like someone I should've heard throughout my entire life. My only beef is that he can't quite hit those George Jones high notes he's always striving for.
Another hometown hero of mine, this will probably be an acquired taste that most of y'all will not have acquired yet. Twangy vocals over country/tejano/rock 'n roll, lyrics filled with rants about the South Plains and other things that make sense to west Texans. Lighthearted, honest, and probably misunderstood by most.
I don’t vibe with this
I didn't have high hopes for an album with "Honky Tonk" in the title but fortunately the "Masquerade" was doing most of the heavy lifting because this thing was fun! A good dose of rock influence made this a pretty lively album, with more introspective tracks worked in appropriately. Reminded me of Sturgill Simpson's "A Sailor's Guide" album, the DNA of it is solidly country but the execution mixes a few different genres in satisfying ways.
"Cornbread Moon" was a fantastic album starter, not what I expected to hear out of the gate from a 70's country-rock album. Not that the tracks immediately following it were overshadowed, but it's hard to live up to a track titled "Cornbread Moon". The rest of the album is honestly pretty fun and adds its own take on the Hank Williams-esque, honky tonk country music from yesteryear via the electric guitars and the synth sound that was beginning to emerge in the music industry.
Honky Tonk - it's a waste of good musicians.
I don't hate it. But I don't like it.
1.5
I’ve reached the 900th album here :) Much like the 600th and 700th, it’s a country album. But wait- this ain’t no run of the mill country! “Cornbread Moon” gets a 4/4 breakdown (in contrast to the swing) not unlike punk rock, & “Boxcars” gets a hard rock guitar solo. It’s a crossover that is more in tune with the musical trends of the late 70s, and less with the outlaw/country rock of the 60s. However, many of the other tracks are pretty traditionalist; still glad we get that variety that’s missing from a few country records on this list Rounding up to a 4 today
någon nånstans kallade det här för progressiv country och någonstans kan jag väl höra det, det är inte 100 % rak country, en lite pluspoäng för det.
This is a masquerade alright! I tried to keep an open mind, but I don’t see at all why this album is on the list. Two stars because it might be the best honky tonk out there.
I honestly thought I was going to like this a lot more. It's just ok.
At best I wasn’t completely annoyed by this… until Fingernails came on which just grossed me out.
Not really my thing.
Hmm, this one is tough. I didn't like a lot of it, but some of it I liked quite a bit. I'll settle on middle of the road, but I won't be mad at anyone who thinks it should be higher or lower.
Reminds me of the music my mom would put on when we had to clean the house on the weekend. Not horrible, but not something I'd choose to listen to on my own.
Great country sound!
Classic country. Not my thing, but didn't hate it
This is the first time thus far that I am changing my rating based on something that wasnt just my opinion of the musical parts. I was firm on thinking it had been a 2-ish experience until "I don't cut my fingernails so it clicks when I play the piano" was spoken. I found that so gross that I had to change the score Sometimes I wonder if I am just doing this entire 1001 albums challenge wrong. Are other people also listening to the entire album from start to end? I've read that some people just listen up until the end of the first chorus before going on to the next song to get a 'general idea' of how they find the song. Is everyone doing this? Albums like this are genuinely unlistenable and youre telling me almost 11.000 people have listened to it? You are nuts.
I expected a cringey country caricature, but this is a solid listen. The band is fantastic, particularly the accordion and pedal steel, and Ely’s hardscrabble, road worn voice fits it perfectly. While it doesn't have much lasting impact due to some forgettable tracks and goofy tropes, it’s a perfectly fine record for a casual drive.
I'm learning that the early '80s, And the late '70s leading into the early '80s was a pretty distinctive era, regardless of the music genre. It's crazy how you can hear it even in country western. This was fine, dated though.
I’d never heard of Joe Ely or his second album “Honky Tonk Masquerade” until today. It turns out Ely has spent much of his career on the fringes of country music, railing against the polished Nashville scene, rejecting the Bakersfield sound, and living his life as a champion of Texas progressive country (I could have sworn that was an oxymoron). Later, he became great buddies with Joe Strummer and contributed backing vocals on the Clash’s “Should I Stay Or Should I Go”. A country-rebel indeed. That in no way means he’s a self-serious type, though: I feel “Honky Tonk Masquerade” is notable for its verve and levity. There’s a good sense of humour running through the album: the conceit of lead single “Fingernails” is a daft but memorable one, with its central line “I keep my fingernails long so they click when I play the piano”. Ely may not have been up to scratch in the hygiene department, but he knew how to have a laugh. The lyrics to “West Texas Waltz” raise a chuckle too, as does the gibbering hook of “I’ll Be Your Fool”. It’s hard to resist. But where “Honky-Tonk Masquerade” shines even more is in its musicianship. The instrumentation here is a lot of fun, with some absolutely top-notch performances. Lloyd Maines- something of a mainstay in the country scene- is brilliant on lap-steel throughout, delivering a particularly gorgeous solo in “Because of the Wind”, and a stunningly disciplined one in “West Texas Waltz”. A little more edge is provided with searing fuzz guitars in “Boxcars” (there are three different electric guitarists here, so no idea who supplied them). And opener “Cornbread Moon” is bonkers: switching from a straight intro to swung verse, and then back again, tossing in dexterous guitar and ACCORDION solos, structuring its whole verse around the idea of a… well, a cornbread moon. Inspired. At times it feels a little fluffy- there isn’t much lyrical depth here, and often a nagging feeling of country-by-numbers. But the rowdy, raucous outro of final track “Honky Tonkin’” sealed the deal for me: this is a darn good time, and solid country music.
Sounds corny most of the time, but there are a few instrumental moments that gets interesting here and there, mainly the use of a moog, which I don't really remember hearing on a country album
This guy clearly didn't shoot the sheriff.
I'm sure this man has never urinated on a railway or jumped from a moving train.
At least we had masks on.
yee-naw
There are some decent moments here, but overall, I don't have much to say about this album. 'Boxcars' is by far and away the best song here - with this twisted guitar scraping the mix and an incredible accordion passage driving the instrumental interlude. It contains an edge I was hoping this album carried more of - especially in Ely's gloomy lyrics. This song's honestly incredible and I'm really happy I discovered it here. 'Fingernails' was a fun and catchy classic Rock N' Roll throwback type song that's pretty cool - if a bit cliche sounding. I don't have much to say about Ely's writing on most of this album - it's pretty standard in this vein of country music. There are some other good songs, like 'West Texas Waltz' and 'Because Of The Wind', but most of the music here doesn't stand out as all that unique or anything. It is still, however, well done all the way through.
I'm just a simple country boy. Love this album very much
Honestly, not my thing.
I did not enjoy this
When did country get so bad??
Country rock. Ni fu ni fa.
Folk country aburrido.
Good stuff.
I didn’t expect to like this album either. I don’t know if I will go looking for it much but it was a great listen. I am planning to adapt my own grooming habits so that I too can “keep my finger nails long so they clicking when I play the piano”, though my wife may have a problem with that. Key songs were Cornbread Moon and Jericho. I appreciate how you could hear the influence he gave to future artists like Brooks and Dunn and Garth Brooks.
Never heard of Joe Ely before this. I enjoyed this despite it not being my kind of music. "Fingernails" and "Honky Tonkin" were standout tracks. Dude can get after it!
Harmless
I hate this genre so much soz I was so bored
I enjoyed this more than I should have - 3.5/5
A rootsy country album by an outlaw. Great stuff.
Yeeee to the hawww We making it out the cornfield with this one Ely really honks my tonk
Man's got a great voice. Good album
Not normally a fun of country but this was chill
I went in with low expectations, but actually this was alot more serious than I expected and I enjoyed it first bit. Country rock and roll.
🥱😴
Don't think I'd ever heard of this guy, or this record. Good; I'm up for obscure discoveries (or unknown to me at any rate). This is a bright, jangly, enjoyable country rock romp.
This was interesting...it was very Hill Billy Rock. His voice had a very Texas twang and drawl with traditional country elements (steel guitar and fiddle) but then had some very rock elements in songs (like Jericho). His voice had the twang but also something rockish folkish about it with the story telling elements. Something was there, not my favorite but something was different and I appreciate it.
Is this Honky Tonk music or is this some of that Masquerade imitation Honky Tonk? Sounds like the real thing to me but I'm not really experienced in the ways of the Honk and the Tonk. I especially like Boxcars, Think I'm Gonna Go Down Town, Honky Tonk Masquerade and Honky Tonk'n. I'm about a 3.5 with this album but that fucking honky tonk accordion in the last song boots it up to a 4 for me dang gummit.
I dig some older honky tonk, as I’ve discovered through this project, but this album didn’t do a lot for me. Feels like it’s missing the soulfulness of a Waylon or a Willie or a Loretta. It felt a little generic to me compared to the legends. It was perfectly pleasant and had a decent energy, but something was missing.
Awful
Listenable, but old fashioned country music is not really my jam. 2,5
I don't love hearing about bunions or not cutting one's fingernails but otherwise this is some pretty fun West Texas country music.
Pelo menos a maioria dos discos de country duram pouco mais de 30 minutos. São repetitivos, mas não cansam.
Wow…that is 100% country and kinda fun. While it is not my favorite genre, I can certainly appreciate it. I think it set the table for the current batch of country stars incorporating some rock in their country. I give it 3 stars because of its influence. Not a go to for me, but I did enjoy it.
It was an album. It has a place and is good old country. It is nothing too exciting and basic sit around the campfire in the woods music.
Diggin it Good dance songs 5 stars
:)
Honky Tonk Masquerade I kind of know who Joe Ely is, as he features in the Joe Strummer doc The Future is Unwritten and seeds to have been pally with the Clash. Which kind of makes sense as the Clash clearly loved Rockabilly and country. He also seems to be an interesting guy. So I was interested to hear this. I like alot of Country but I’m not that familiar with the differences within the genre. From the title I presume this is Honky Tonk, which I think I like. And philosophically it feels to me it sits in that gap between the more confessional singer songwriter early 70s country and the more bombastic line dancing 80s country. Some great slide tones, quite jarring, but in a great way, especially on Boxcars. They kind of counterpoint the country format, like an evolution of some of the stuff on the Burrito Brothers albums. There’s also some slightly unusual instrumentation like the accordion on West Texas Waltz and the synth on Fingernails. I enjoyed this a lot. It’s not the best album we have come across but it’s a fun listen within enough moments musically and lyrically to separate it from other country. A very solid 3 with good re-listenability. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 Playlist submission: Tonight I Think I’m Gonna Go Downtown
Late 70's Honky Tonk..........FFS I've just listened to Throbbing Gristle before this. My head is messed up but this is so mainstream it could be a theme tune to a corny 80's TV show. I can't bring myself to hate it though and I truly love Joe.
4/10 Look, this was very well made country rock, I get it, but it just wasn’t for me. Good voice, nice mixture of traditional and modern instruments, nice vibe to the whole thing. Just not for me. Best: Jericho
This is pretty fun for country, gets a bit too close to that god awful modern country for my taste, but still admirable.
Solid country record . It did not impress me that much to warrant a higher rating nor was it bad in any means.
This was a good listen. Country is a genre I appreciate but don't listen much of. I enjoyed this album. It was good for working and I can appreciate the guitar chops Joe Ely has. The lyrics and tracks were fun to listen to.
Very interesting suggestion today, which allowed me to put the *Flatlanders* / Lubbock honky tonk "mafia" on the map, right in North-West Texas. It's a group of country music performers / songwriters I had absolutely no knowledge of before today, and browsing through the music made by that gang (Joe Ely, Butch Hancock--who wrote almost half of the songs in this record--Jimmie Dale Gilmore or Terry Allen), it seems to me that they managed to keep their C&W roots authentic while implementing interesting instrumentation and/or artful flourishes in their music at the same time. Which is no small feat in my book--the sort of feat only greats such as Willie Nelson or Johnny Cash could pull off in my honest opinion. "Progressive country", that thing is called, and barring a small bunch of country-rock artists (Byrds, Flying Burrito Brothers, Gram Parsons), it's the only country music worth listening to for outsiders of a genre often plagued by bland compositions and clichéed lyrics. Case in point: *Honky Tonk Masquerade* and the stellar arrangements that grace half of its tracks (along with some very endearing lyrics once in a while). I don't have the time to go into details today, but let me just say that the hectic electric guitar solo at the end of "Boxcars"--one of the standout cuts--is just simply incredible, and gives an epic mood to the whole ending. The southern rock influences are on point in this record, and some of the ballads are quite effective. Three or four tracks might be more "run-of-the-mill" for my admittedly demanding taste in that genre, but the whole collection is dynamic enough and it never stays in one particular groove for too long (which is a real repellant for me for that particular style of music). And the production and sound of this thing aged pretty well--I was surprised to read other reviewer saying that it didn't: c'mon, this is no eighties gated-drums horror flick à la Dwight Yoakam here! Not sure yet if I can include this record in my own list. 1978 was a stellar year for music of all stripes, and I just can't sacrifice some pretty important albums for me, whether in that year or another. But as of now, I leave the door open and boost my overall grade a little to make up for any future omission of this good album. 3.5/5 for the purposes of this list of essential albums, rounded up to 4. 8.5/10 for more general purposes. Number of albums left to review: 119 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 384 Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 226 (including this one) Albums from the list I won't include in mine: 283
The kind of country everyone hates.
Had to dock a star because the Fingernails one creeped me out
Some okay stuff here, but I wouldn't doubt if you could trace today's (mostly) terrible country music to this.
I can tolerate a little country, but not this.
I disliked this sufficiently that I deleted each song from my history as soon as it played.
meh country
Keeps those fingernails long so he can make that chalkboard sing. Nice to have my ears bleed a little before I die.
Nicht meine Richtung
Bluesy, very country I thought I wouldn't like it, but it's actually quite catchy. The lyrics have a quality where I was kind of listening in the background, but it really hooked my attention I just heard the title track and Fingernails - The groove of these songs are so cool, it really makes you want to dance 4
Still not into country.
Pleasantly surprised to see Joe Ely made the list. Hope there's more like this.
If I was in a pub in Tennessee I'm sure I would want to listen to this music. But I couldn't be any further away from there, so it is just basic background music which is nice, but not something I would revisit again.
I'm a huge fan of classic country. There's nothing memorable about this album.
I don't understand how it is that, whenever the words "Honky Tonk" are uttered, ot makes the song sound exactly the same as every other song that uses the same phrase. At least this album has some scattering of more unique lyrics and instrumentation scattered about, but not enough to raise it much in my estimation. Preferred track: probably "Boxcars."
Blegh
Love the instrumentation blending a lot of classic country with some contemporary (for the release) rock stylings. The vocals approach that style of country twang that grates for me at times but overall they aren't bad.
Honky Tonk Masquerade is a disappointing end to a fairly good week, it's prosaic country with a bit more tempo to it, fun at times (Cornbread Moon, I'll Be Your Fool) but really it's not anything special (Fingernails is enjoyable too but it's a standard blues shuffle you've heard from hundreds of acts) and we've had better country or country-adjacent albums. Probably only a high 2, I don't care for it much.
Another filler album, without the decency of at least having one big hit on it. Pretty generic country plus (the plus being a bit more energy and more of a backing band), but, yeah, nothing we've not had better before. 2/5.
A lot of country.. too much for me
Loved this, had never heard it before, but will definitely listen again and check out more by Ely.
Yeah, nah. Really? Why is this on the list? The mind boggles.
If someone ever asked me "What is honky tonk?" I would point them to this album a definitive work on honky tonk. It epitomizes, screams and bleeds honky tonk. I don't like honky tonk, though.
I do not understand the appeal of this music. I was skeptical going in, and with the few bars thought, “Huh. Maybe this will surprise me!” But just a few moments later, my hopes were dashed. I just can’t stomach this type of country music: twangy, and somehow simultaneously boring and annoying.
Fun little country Album. 3 stars is probably the highest I will ever rate a country album.
Nope. Not my style.
It's ok but it doesn't speak to my heart the way other country music does.
Loved it!
Really like this!
I enjoyed this a fair bit. It’s a bit corny, but not enough to be annoying.
Too honky tonky for me, but an interesting listen nonetheless.
I tough it was just another country album from a singer not so well known when i received it. I was correct this time but it at least contaims some sparklings of old rock n roll. It ewas fun to see these signs with good guitar work.
Okay country album. Starts off promising. 3/5
Nothing to recommend
2 fine but forgettable
First two songs had me thinking that this album was going to be pretty bad but Boxcars brought me back into the fold. That was the best track. The rest was underwhelming
1001 Albums Day 9 A fun little 70s country album, a couple of the songs try to move with the times with some experimental tape effects, but the rest of the album fails to live up to their promise. Despite this, I still had fun with it, there's not really anything to write home about lyrically, but the lyrics serve their purpose just fine, and I think that actually describes the album perfectly, 'just fine'. Favs: Cornbread Moon, Boxcars 70/100
Fun country/rock, opens with some Texas swing styling. I don't know enough about country to say that this is absolutely better than other albums by artists of similar status and era, but I will say it's a damn sight better than the "country" crap that seems to be prevalent right now.
This feels like a fresh and original country album for the 70s. Good songwriting all around, unique chords and progressions. I was pleasantly surprised throughout the whole of the album, but never enthralled. Still, I enjoyed it thoroughly. 4/5
Short but sweet.
I hated it.
I had fun, but some of the songs were noticeably weaker than others. A quick energetic listen!
um, sure. dunno this guy but he sounds all right. i've gotten a lot of random country lately and this guy doesn't really stand out. it's fine but eh. favorites: cornbread moon, boxcars, tonight I think I'm gonna go downtown, fingernails
When I like country it’s for its clever lyrics - one liners and quips. This has that and it has all the cliches I’d expect, west reverb wind and trees. Etc. nothing really stood out though
No. 208/1001 Cornbread Moon 3/5 Because of the Wild 4/5 Boxcars 3/5 Jericho 3/5 Tonight I Think 4/5 Honky Tonk Masquerade 3/5 I'll Be Your Fool 3/5 Fingernails 2/5 West Texas Waltz 3/5 Honky Tonkin' 3/5 Average: 3,1 Good country album.
No
The problem with this list is that there are hundreds of fantastic albums that don’t rate more than 3 stars to me.
Middling
Not my thing
3 stars
another one that leaves you wondering why this album is on the list
Gear: Hifiman Arya Artwork: "»StolzFÜSSER!«, rief ein älterer Hobbit aus dem hinteren Teil des Zeltes dazwischen. Er hieß natürlich Stolzfuß, und zwar mit Recht, denn er hatte große Füße mit außerordentlich dichtem Pelz, und beide lagen auf dem Tisch." Mix (2022 Remaster): heißer Scheiß - aber nicht von der guten Sorte Musik: "Oh Wait. You're Serious? Let Me Laugh Even Harder!" Wertung: 💅(💅)/5
Not my cup of tea. Sounds like something that would playing out of a tinny radio at a backroad truck stop
Maybe I’m a honky tonk kind of girl!
Not really into that American country vibe. But did feel transported to that local watering hole where the country folk hang.
Real schamltzy and sweet! A lot of the country that I love really wears its heart on its sleeve and this reminded me of some of my favs (John Prine, Hank Williams) - liked it!
This has to be the most obscure album on this entire list! I guess we were due for some Honky Tonk representation .. pretty okay album - still scratching my head at this one's inclusion ...
A pure delight, get in.
Had some witty lyrics but didn't really leave an impression on me.
Pretty generic country album. A mix of blues, country and some folk. It honestly didn't make a great impression. Probably Boxcars was the best track but I can't remember much of it even though I tried. Strong 2, maybe just not in the mood for country today.
Very fun
Fine. Good for country
Boring
Not my favorite country album on this list. Still pretty good but not overly memorable
Not bad I just don't care
Nope. Farm emo bad.
I liked the fingernails song!
HONKY TONK - it's honestly fine - old me would hate it.
PRetty damn fun
B- Cornbread Moon 3 Because Of The Wind 3 Boxcars 3 Jericho (Your Walls Must Come Tumbling Down) 3 Tonight I Think I'm Gonna Go Downtown 3 Honky Tonk Masquerade 4 I'll Be Your Fool 4 Fingernails 3 West Texas Waltz 3 Honky Tonkin' 3 Country, YEE haw
This isn’t terrible. I actually liked “Boxcars”. But overall it was a tough 33 minutes to get through.
Horrendous
Country
Quite fun, maybe too country for me - don't think I'd play many of these songs on the reg
I have no idea why this is on this list, but I'm glad it is. It's weird. It's experimental. It's everything country usually isn't, but at no point does it betray itself. I expected this to have come out of the 60s. It it's only a hair away from having been an 80s album! I expect Joe (only a Joe could have made this album) wanted to make the country album no one else had, and boy did he succeed
I like my redneck shit but this ain't it
nice little release but a bit too simple for its time. it doesnt feel like it wants to be anything other than basic country which is fine but keeps my enjoyment from being very high. high 6/10
Really nice timeless country music. I enjoyed listening to this a lot.
Even having worked in country radio for a while, I don't recall this name or any of these tracks. A classic country sound, for sure, which at this time in my life is just swell.
Why have I never heard this? Very fun!
I’m glad to get some more country on this list, although I have to say this didn’t quite live up to the expectations I had after reading the wikipedia article. It was good but I think there are a lot of albums I’d put ahead of this that I fear won’t make this list.
This sounds late 70's and I would say a bit ahead of it's time. I'm not Country expert. This is in the neighborhood of Gene Clark, but more country. Similar to what Elvis was doing later in the 70's...but more country. It's Country rock, but not quite Lynyrd Skynyrd...more Country.
Seriously man what happened to country music? Why did we stray from this? Shit sucks now
Standard country music
Vähän liian toisistaan irrallisia tarinoita, liian arkkityyppimeininkiä. Onko mussa vikaa, kun en kuule tässä omaa, kiinnostavaa ääntä. Joe ei saa mua kuuntelemaan juttujaan.
Tämän levyn soundissa on sofistikoituneisuutta, joka ikävä kyllä toimii sen toimivuutta vastaan. Ensi kuulemalta kovinkaan paljoa kappaleiden varsinaisesta sisällöstä ei jäänyt mieleen. Mutta taitavia kantrimuusikoita.
Really enjoyed 'Boxcars' - listened to it about 4 times, but rest of the album is your run of the mill honkytonk. 2.5 stars.
Honky-Tonkin' with the Honky Tonk Masquerade. This is great album I've never heard before. It reminds me of Lyle Lovett's later stuff with his Big Band - the only difference is this predates Lyle's music by three decades. 3.5/5
Well if someone were to ask me what my favourite country album is I guess it could be this one. What a fun listen with a timeless sound. Fave: Boxcars. I do also like the joyfulness of the last three tracks.
Country in general isn't really my genre, and this end of country particularly isn't, but I actually enjoyed this a surprising amount! I coulda done without the slower more maudlin numbers, but the upbeat tracks were quite a bop. I can see myself getting into this under cold fluorescent lighting, buzzed on cheap, nasty American beer, and surrounded by people in stetsons, and beyond them the huge skies and distant horizons of Texas... 🤠 Fave tracks - "Cornbread Moon" for sure - did a great job of winning me over straight out the gate. "Boxcars" was good too...
not much to say
Fingernails is a jam, probably won't be coming back to the album though.
Kinda folky and also swing. I liked it. Made me listen to some Johnny cash
“Honky Tonk” is the best way to describe this album.
Fun, but just not really my thing. Starts pretty slow, but the songs get more interesting and upbeat towards the end. 2.5/5 Probably won’t listen again
I really liked this one. Very simple blues and country stylings, but enjoyable for sure. Dude's voice and storytelling ability are great. Pleasantly surprised I even liked it.
3.4 - I was sorta vibing with this, imagining little tow-headed girls in sundresses two-stepping with their grandpas. I liked the twangy Texas sound, big and ballsy. But he lost me at, “I keep my fingernails long / So they click when I play the piano.” I can’t get behind that sentiment, Mr. Ely.
Not a bad country album. Not my thing, mainly because honky tonk isn't my thing. 3/5!
Simple et dépouillé, éminemment sympathique et d’apparence candide
Old honky honk. Slow country.
Not a fan. Lots of steel guitar, and country and western lyrics. Not really relatable to my experience. If a person likes this style, it is a quality album for the 70s.
Generic and kind of awkward
Colling the eating part… not give hoot about.. bulking... Remember drinking.. let us drink for to morrow we shall die.. Jack stop.. In Baltimore they made up how to make gas from coal.. incredible.. The nightlife possibilities.. not quite neon light level.. still day in the middle of night I drink, I drink, and I boy Drink…. I like.. Barman interrupts. Baltimore gasworks.. The rectangular, 19 century buildings are set on semi-coursed stone foundations, and are topped with monitor and gable roofs. The buildings exhibit a recessed wall plane behind paired brick pilasters and corbelled brick cornices and oculus openings set within their gables. The Office is notable for its delicate wood louvered dormer with a sunburst- ornamented tympanum… You have seen the main building of Equitable Gas Works.. You can't miss it if you visit Baltimore…. I mean.. Important evidence of the stature of the manufactured gas industry. Never understood buildings.. bartender man… that's why I moved here.. get a place from here.. good land.. they said.. Jack.. You are so mope-eyed, move out and experience innovation.. it's not here.. The gas won't travel by rail.. …..Villi läntinen manner jonka aroille nousivat likaisimmat kuppilat maan päällä. Kun emomaassa juotiin sateettomina päivinä teetä ulkona, vei kuumuus tilanomistajat pimeän saluunan nurkkaan nauttimaan viskistä. Auringon sykkivä lämpö sääti joka päivä ulkoilulle rajoja, jotka sisällä varjossa, kylmässä kaksikerroksisen talon siveellisemmässä alakerrassa onneksi unohtuivat. Sisällä kävi kylmä viima. Kuitenkin, pelkkä auringonvalon läsnäolo oli muistutus loppukesän epämiellyttävästä paahteesta - toisille näky punaisesta sirpaleisesta maasta, joka ei kanna satoa, jonka vilja kuihtuu hitaasti. Päivän muuttuessa illaksi ja petroliliekin valaistessa miesten viinan litkutusta, unohtuu muun mantereen edistys. Kaasu vallankumoistaa valaistuksen, tehden yöstä päivän, ainakin suurissa kaupungeissa. Jack lähtee, mutta Collin jää. Jotain siinä lämpimässä petrolilampussa on jota ei kirkkaat kaasulamput korvaa. Suomessakin Häkäpönttöautoilla pöröteltiin… Hyvä kiinnittää tähän huomiota välillä kun unohtuu faktat fiktiosta…korvaamaton väline kun puhutaan sota-ajan autoilusta.. Häkäpönttö...harmittaisi perkeleesti jos suomen autoilun historia olisi katkennut 1944……. 1970s loppupuoli kantri.. Yhdistää 1960 luvun countryn.. 1980s countryyn… Ikuisesti kiitollinen albumille.. Ja katkeamattomalle suomen siviili autoilun historialle joka kesti sodan…
El country no me interesa mucho, pero es agradable de escuchar.
Country, Rockabilly und Tex-Amex. Sehr abwechslungsreich und storylastig.
Who knew Honky Tonk could be so good.
Album is lekker kort. Niet de grootste country fan, maar dit is voor een half uurtje prima te doen hoor. Favoriet is absoluut I'll be your fool, vanwege de lekkere voice crack die Joe hier er de hele tijd in gooit, verder klinkt het allemaal redelijk hetzelfde. Honky Tonk is natuurlijk een fantastische naam al, dus dar krijg je van mij een sterretje extra voor. Nee maar echt, dit is een album wat me geen seconde verveelt, omdat het zo bizar kort duurt. Country is eigenlijk een soort tiktok muziek voor rednecks, change my mind! FAVO: I'll be your fool, Fingernails
Some interesting songs and nice instrumentation throughout, but not something I see revisiting.
Just not my taste, can't do honky tonk country no matter how good it is.
I enjoy a spot of country, but this style isn't exactly my vibe. Still, it had some really nice moments sprinkled throughout where the songwriting shone through.
honky tonk
I may be a honky who doesn't often tonk but this was fine. Maybe it's because I can't stand modern country that seems so intentional with the twangy accent or whatever and also how it's formulaic garbage. This is much more enjoyable and I liked it more as it went on
70’er country, ok, men heller ikke overvældende
This is a weird one - I will say if Townes Van Zandt was singing some of these songs I’d give it 5 stars. But he doesn’t, so I won’t. Ely’s voice works for the more trivial songs, but to my ears lacks the grit for the more pleading country tunes.
I thought this was about to be a nice country honky-tonk thing, but "Boxcars" kind of rocks a little bit. This isn't particularly my genre, and I think this has to have the least amount of Spotify plays of any album I've listened to on here, but it's not terrible. It's very Texas-sounding overall. It's got a reasonably good mix of low-key country ballady-stuff, and some songs that rock more. I wouldn't listen to this all the time, but it's a fairly nice change-of-pace album. Favorite song: Boxcars Other: Because Of The Wind, Tonight I Think I'm Gonna Go Downtown, I'll Be Your Fool, West Texas Waltz 3/31/24
Decent, and well timed as we listened whilst walking round a farm.
A well executed country rock album. This is the sound that a lot of current country musicians are trying and failing to emulate.
Pas trop ma came - peut être si j'avais un pick-up de ricain avec un grand chapeau et des kilomètres de route à faire défiler ça serait le mood, en attendant pas trop
I dunno, seems fake?
Just not my style at all, but not a bad country album.
Pretty enjoyable country actually
Folk country aburrido.
Surprised by this, it's pushing country about as far as it'll go.
Pretty good
Honky tonky Bob Denvery
I'm not 100% sure why this is on the list, but I like it! Reminds me of Byrds country era, and kinda a forerunner to Dwight Yoakam. I've been eBaying "Lot of 30 country tapes. $14!" for the past year or so, and this seems like one of the tapes I'd keep.
The opening track is a barnstormer but it slows down after that. Some great slide and backing instruments but recording doesn’t do it all justice.
4/5. A solid mix of calming country and heavy blues, with soft yet powerful vocals. The production quality also elevates this one above other country albums. There are some sweet lyrics along with some heavy lower class struggles. Some super generic country songs does prevent it from being a 5 but they were enjoyable nonetheless.
This was the country sound I have feared every time there has been a country record on here. Nothing I connect with.
Surprised by how much I enjoyed it. A couple bops I listened to multiple times
I rarely listen to country music, but this is was pretty great.
When I’m a minute in and counting down 33 to go that ain’t good. Appreciate the short run time though.
Overproduced country that tries to play all sides: soft pop, hard rock, and folky outlaw country. It's fairly standard but fluffs it up by doing some things weird and different like unusual instrument choices, genre fusions, or unexpected chord changes. It works ok, and definitely stands out a bit from peers, but I'm not seeing any reason to revisit. It was short and had various styles with pleasant melodies, so it was easy to listen to and enjoy. Favorites: Cornbread Moon, Boxcars
joe ely slay?
Pleasant, strong start to the album but gets a little samey
Not really a big fan
I'm not a honky tonker, sorry.
So very many crimes were committed in the mixing of albums in the 1970s. This is fun though.
Too much honking, too much tonking, too much country.
god i miss my local two-step dance night. wouldn't listen to this on it's own but its not the worst honky tonk i've ever witnessed by far. also, i think the masks at the honky tonk masquerade should be made of straw but styled like a masquerade ball
This is definitely more "Texas honky-tonk" than the country music I usually listen to - it's honestly a fully different subgenre from the folk/americana/gospel, mountains area kind of stuff. I still liked it well enough, but I'm not sure I'd put it on again and it got overwhelming.
man I've never listened to a Joe Ely song before but this was such a good experience. he straddles that line between country and blues and rock and introduces some interesting ideas. from bluegrassy sounds in Because of the Wind and West Texas Waltz, or more country rock/blues of Honky Tonkin' or Cornbread Moon, or the ballad stuff like I Thinl I'm Gonna Go Downtown. also he sure says Honky Tonk a lot!
I really like this album. West Texas Waltz and Honky Tonkin were my favorites. Plus there’s synth on this album?!?!? In 1978?!?! On a country album?!?!? Loved it
I’m not a big fan of country music but I did enjoy Because of the Wind and Boxcars.
Ely's pure, unadorned vocals and wry, gently philosophical songs revive the Hank Williams-Lefty Frizzell honky-tonk tradition in country music without showing any traces of nostalgia or self-consciousness.
He is deffo honkytonking. Would have been a 2, but then the dog went to obedience school, forgot how to herd and learned to dance. That made me smile.
Bad
Enjoyed listening to it but not really a style I'd go out my way to listen to again to be honest. Did have a few catchy bits but most of it was just nice backing music so good for that I suppose
Sometimes cozy and sometimes groovy country music. Nothing special in my ears, but worth a listen or two.
это довольно трогательно) хонки тонк и пение мимо нот это конечно не мой жанр, но вижу как может быть тепло и ностальгично от всего этого
4.5/10
Some solid honky tonky tunes. Pretty good voice, a mix of slower and upbeat catchy tracks. Quick listen, as well. I'd say a 3.5.
I may have heard of Joe before this but not 100% sure. Certainly didn't know this album or any of the song except "Fingernails" which I heard covered by Marcia Ball. Not too bad of an album. However, I doubt it will make my regular rotation.
country, 1978 -> 1
I'm British, so Country is not a genre I'm familiar with or particularly understand. This is OK, it sounds nice enough, but I'm not remembering a single track, and I only listened to it 20 minutes ago. It's a low 3, but still a 3.
I can't believe I've never heard of this album. Although I've never been much of a country fan, this album is top shelf. Thanks for "broadening" me.
The accordion gives it a Mexican feel. I really enjoyed “Jericho.”
Not a huge country/country-rock fan, but I thought this one was pretty enjoyable.
This album is trying to be too many things. It walks a line between pop, western country, gospel, blues, and Texas country and it is just too much. Also the choice of synth and accordion were kinda bizarre. The 80s were truly on the horizon.
Country rock. Ni fu ni fa.
They did not lie re: Honky Tonk. A little too much for mine, though I guess I can see the proto alt-country in some of this.
Joe Ely is the 2nd wave of great Americana artists. (Cash and Jennings). I love when the country haters loose their mind...... Good album. A ton of good songs.
It's just okay. I like country music but this just doesn't make a case for being here. Nearly every other classic album of the genre on this list (that I've heard so far 800+ in) blows this out of the water. Gotta give it at least a 3 because in my opinion country is the most unfairly maligned genre.
Album # 29 Fingernails gave made me think..EWWW but then I thought of Dolly and how she tells the story of when she was recording 9-5 she used her nails throughout the song. She did it, she didn't write a song about it. It's funny the only 2 songs on this album that made me think "that's a pretty good tune" were two JE did not write., West Texas Waltz" & "Honky Tonkin'"
Most C&W albums are one stars, this scrapes a two
3.5/5. It’s like a water downed Cormac McCarthy novel.
This album made me smile- especially the last couple of songs
It's Honky, it's Tonky, and it's wearing a mask
Boah wieder so alte handgemacht Rockmusik. Rhythm and Blues und Country. Schnarch. Ach, so schlimm ist es gar nicht Ich war eben aber genervt vom Wäscheaufhängen.
Nyt on sitä Tuukan HonkyTonkya :D Oispa kesä eikä loskaa ja märkää.Parhaat: Because Of The Wind, Tonight I Think Im Gonna Go To Downtown, Honky Tonkin
I apologize honky tonk, I was not familiar with your game
Classical country ....
Joe Ely's songs are country rock, rockabilly, and ballads - he's a singer/songwriter that spent his life as a touring musician. Ely's a great story teller, and his songs reflect his skill in that role and present the lessons he acquired as a road-weary musician. Honky Tonk Masquerade was widely critically acclaimed, but not very commercially successful. It includes a collection of interesting country rock songs, showing Ely's skill as a story teller and the work of a polished, practiced band.
If you must have a honky tonk album on this list let it be this one?
Not enough haw to my yee (medio whack) - Mari Yeehaw, we got some cornbread, we got some incest and most of all we got some long ass nails for the banjos, welcome to Alabama - alex
me tan viendo la cara de granjero yankee o q?? final listen: estaba esperando a que terminara. los 38 minutos más largos de mi vida
Really good rebel country. Got two country in a row and this was a nice change of pace from the previous. Lively, fun, and twangy...what you want from country
For the sort of boogie boogie alt country I can happily say this did not offend me as much as expected. I think he writes great pop, just in a style that doesn't do much for me.
Not my cup of tea. I only started the one song and gave up.
Sigh
idk very very country western. 2 stars. Just not part of any culture that gives me feels. A good album to line dance too, but thats where it begins and ends for me.
"Boxcars" is actually kind of interesting. You could tell me it was written by a mid 2000s folk rock band like The Decemberists or Murder By Death and I would totally believe you. "I'll Be Your Fool" is kind of fun. "Fingernails" is dumb, but also a low-key banger. There's even some interesting use of Moog synths on this album which is not usually something I associate with this kind of glossed up, modern country. That's it. That's everything nice I have to say about it.
country goodness
Niet vervelend, niet heel speciaal
I’m not sure how the timeline of country music went but this to me sounded like a good transition from the older outlaw country style to the honky tonk rocking fun loving country. Ely brought in many instruments (for a country album) to entertain on this one. It’s a good album that has good range. 6.6/10
four stars, great stuff, good country songs performed very well.
This was masquerading as honky tonk music. Couldn't help myself.
Why did I have to hear this before I die?
I am not sure I would intentionally search this album out, as I am more of a Joe Ely's Greatest Hits person. Still, a very good Texas country album (which I separate from other subgenres of country) and also influential. I can hear some Lyle Lovett and Robert Earl Keen in here. I would recommend this album be heard, because it's a great example of true Texas country music. Also, I don't care for "Fingernails," but it is a clever lyric.
Too much country
Good voice, well produced, but I rally cant remember any of the songs after listening through it. Not my cup of tea.
Some good old-fashioned Texas country. Yeehaw.
I have a Pavlovian response to hearing a slide guitar - I immediately want to punch the speakers and listen to anything else. That I didn't do it for this record says something I guess, but it's still too twee and country for me.
I never thought I liked country music, and then we moved to Austin. This was 15 years ago, but I never realized that what is sold to the masses as country is a far cry from where the genre started and where so many great artists remain. Joe Ely is a great example. Enjoyed the album as well as the related songs that Spotify started playing after it was finished. Fits very well into my vibe.
Favourite songs: Fingernails, West Texas Waltz, Cornbread Moon, Boxcars, Honky Tonkin', Jericho (Your Walls Must Come Tumbling Down), Because of the Wind, Honky Tonk Masquerade Least favourite songs: I'll Be Your Fool 5/5
An interesting record, maybe esp because I'd never heard of this guy before. This is a bit cheesy for sure by modern 2024 standards but overall very enjoyable and rockin'! There is some grade A honky tonk guitar on her. Cool mix of ‘rock’ solos also. The addition of saxes and stuff gives it a bit of a Huey Lewis vibe by times. It’s a bit…. 80’s (?) for me haha but I do see the lineage through the ‘alternative country’ I came to love so much 25 years later. I can def hear some Jayhawks and Old 97’s in here.
I'd line dance to this.
Not bad for country
I hate weepy steel guitar so much. It's one of the many reasons I tend to dislike country music. That and the syrupy-thick, sad-sack lyrics. This album as both of those hated elements in spades. I'm willing to admit that this is probably a good representation of the genre. But I hated it.
it ain't country rock if the album doesn't begin with a song titled "cornbread moon" i guess. joe ely crafted some soothing country rock on honky tonk masquerade. he also created some really corny songs, but i find myself not caring? he did a great job making those corny songs easy as pie to listen to. not to mention, this album does not sound like it's from 1978. i'm reminded of the pleasant country sound that leans toward modernity in dwight yoakam's "buenas noches from a lonely room," also on this project, but came out in 1985. ely, in comparison, was light years ahead. btw, ely on this album cover looks like elon musk. dearest joe, i am so sorry.
This was an odd little country album. It seems to be pretty obscure, and I definitely hadn't heard of it. In country music, I often speak of late 80s country that is giving way to that 90s country sound...well, this album very clearly a 70s album giving way to the 80s country sound. This was a strange album; a lot of the lyrics were campy as hell, but the musicianship definitely felt solid. I can't say that I loved this album, but I didn't hate it, either. It straddled a fine line between "quirky" and "ridiculous".
Country ist einfach nicht meins, gibt wenige Ausnahmen, aber dieses Album gehört nicht dazu.
3 eller 4 stjerner
Good Ole Country honky tonk!
Sounds like good classic country.
1. Cornbread Moon - Well done 2. Nononono 3. Boxcars- slaps! 4. Catchy, not clever Meh Meh Fingernails soooo bad Honky Tonkin’ - catchy, great end
Nice country twang. Good vocals.
Really liked some songs, but I really did not like others.
Cornbread Moon, as the opener was a bit too C&W cringey and twangy. That being said, vocals and guitar work are pretty good. Unfortunately the album, bar one track, is too C&W for my liking, so it's a 2.
I just cannot get into Country, would be 2* except "I'll be your fool" which I really couldn't stand
Unerwartet cool, abwechslungreich und kurzweilig
Pretty major country sound, not my tempo.
I wasn’t expecting a lot. When most of these tracks started, I was like “oh yeah, a country song”, and then the instrumental mid-section hit. And hit it did. I can see why The Clash loved this guy and wanted to work with him.
Cornbread Moon und Boxcars (Cooler "train whistle" sound mit der Mundharmonika) beste Tracks Rest leider recht langweiliges und generisches Country-Allerlei Honkey Tonk scheint wohl mal n Ding gewesen zu sein
Ganz ok. Gibt aber anderen Country, der mir deutlich mehr zusagt und interessanter ist, z.B. Townes Van Zandt.
Surprisingly, this is a good Country album, going more for Rock than pure Old Country. If I have to listen to this genre, I much prefer this approach. 3.5/5
I like it! Haven't really heard this before, but the music is distinctive and engaging. Will listen to this again at some point.
Pretty easy and approachable folk country sound. Fingernails sounds like a bet he lost... write a song about the next thing that pops into your head. Maybe, we all lost on that one. The rest is fine, with Boxcars and West Texas Waltz being the standouts for me.
not rly into it
Ok
no.
Joe's vocals are great-very much enjoyed this album. Nothing like today's generic, bro country, this is the real deal if you're looking for some country music to enjoy.
If you look up honky tonk in the dictionary, this album comes up… “I keep my fingernails long so they click when I play piano” is an ear worm. Dad’s review: “taste is objective”
Masquerading as a country record. Ended up listening to Waylon & Willie instead.
Songs about cornbread, fingernails and honky tonkin' aren't really my thing. Still better than modern country
Its bit similar to Nick Drake
Pretty good country. But god damn, this man's numbers on this album on spotify are almost like dita hanzelova lmao
Pretty good but forgot most of it
Is "corny" short for corn-fed? I'm European and I don't know what this is.
Ugggh! Honky cowpoke music for Christmas? When did I pick up the zoink gift in the White Elephant exchange? Gross. This is not what I wanted. I had my eye on that Rumours album as a special holiday treat. Foiled by Joe who-even-is-this?? Ely though.
Oh! The Honky Tonky Tonky, Oh! The Honky Tonky Tonky, Oh! The Honky Tonky Tonky, Honkey Tonkey, Hon-ky Tonk. Rating: 3.5/5 Playlist track: Honky Tonk Masquerade Date listened: 25/12/23
This didn't do much for me. Not bad, just not my cup of tea.
I was Honky tonken, just never again